FACULTY SPOTLIGHT with SUSAN CORNELL, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPHA, FAADE
Share why you are passionate about helping your patients with diabetes?
In the early 1990’s, my mom was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The information and education she received was minimal to none. I made it my mission to learn as much as I could about diabetes in order to help my mom. As I began my journey to being a certified diabetes care and education specialist (formerly known as a certified diabetes educator), I realized there were many people with diabetes that needed help and support. And so, began my passion to help people with diabetes.
Why did you become a pharmacist?
Pharmacy was not my first career choice. My first degree was in Interior Design. After graduating with my art degree, I realized it was not the career I wanted to take. I had been working as a pharmacy technician in an independent pharmacy. I had enjoyed what I was doing and knew that a career in healthcare was more stable and secure. Little did I know where my pharmacy career would lead. I am glad I pursued pharmacy.
What are your favorite parts about practicing pharmacy?
My favorite part of pharmacy is knowing I have helped people. When a patient says thank you, expresses their gratitude, gives you a hug, brings in a cup of coffee for you, it makes everything feel worthwhile.
What would you tell future pharmacists interested in specializing in diabetes care?
In the field of diabetes, pharmacists are a minority. We need more pharmacists in diabetes to provide examples and showcase our responsibilities in a team based, person-centered healthcare system.
Pharmacists can take our 1 hour, on demand CE course with Susan Cornell, Pharm.D., CDE, FAPhA, FAADE, to get up to speed on the significant and new changes to diabetes practice guidelines.
Take our course: https://hubs.ly/H0FHCsG0
